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AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of The Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, in the presence of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Freihat, inaugurated on Monday the second and third phases of the Princess Salma housing project in Zarqa, according to a Royal Court statement.

The opening of this housing project comes as an implementation of the directives of His Majesty to provide comfort, stability and a decent life for the members of the Arab Army, the statement said, adding that the King inspected a number of apartments to check on the quality of the product. 

The three-phase project consists of 470 units in the form of villas and apartments of various sizes “designed according to the latest engineering standards”, with the blueprints and designs  prepared by the directorate, in cooperation with a specialised company.

The first stage, which was opened several years ago, included 170 housing units, while the second phase includes 155 homes, and the third phase to involve145 units.

The location of the career residence is close to the main road ports and public services and camps of the armed forces.

Brig. Gen. Mohammad Bashabsheh, head of the military’s works and housing operations, said in a speech at the opening ceremony that a large number of houses have been built for servicemen across all Jordan’s governorates. 

These projects have significantly reduced the financial burdens on beneficiaries, the general said, along with their travel expenses, especially for residents of remote cities and villages who have relocated to the new sites.

He stressed that the residential units have distributed among officers in line with transparent criteria, taking into consideration the applicant’s rank, duration of service, size of family, and place of residence in terms of distance from the place of work.

Bashabsheh pointed out to a decision to increase the value of the housing loans provided by the military housing funds for army personnel, underlining in this regard His Majesty’s makruma (benefaction) to support these funds, which have so far benefited more than 11,000 officers and 80,000 non-commissioned officers of the Armed Forces and security bodies.

The opening was attended by a number of officials and senior officers in addition to the beneficiaries of the project including officers, non-commissioned officers and members of the armed forces.

AMMAN — The EU has provided Jordan with a financial assistance of 200 million euros as a soft loan in the form of macro financial assistance, Planning and International Cooperation Minister Imad Fakhoury announced on Monday.

Finance Minister Omar Malhas, Central Bank of Jordan Governor Ziad Fariz and EU Commissioner of Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs Pierre Moscovici signed the related memorandum of understanding and soft loan agreement, Fakhoury said in a ministry statement.

The financial assistance comes in fulfilment of the EU’s pledges made at the Supporting Syria and the Region conference that was held in London last year, the minister noted.

Fakhoury said that the sum would be transferred to the Treasury in two halves, the first of which is due before the end of 2017, and the other next year.

The funds will be used to cover the financing gap through providing direct support to the Treasury within the EU's tool for financial cooperation at the macro level, he added.

The due date for repaying the loan can reach up to 17 years, the minister noted, adding that such loans can contribute to lowering interest rates of internal and external lending, increasing grace periods and extending the repaying time, a matter that helps in restructuring the public debt in line with the national economic and financial reform programme.

In 2015, Jordan received the first soft loan of macro financial assistance that amounted to 180 million euros, and was disbursed in two instalments of 80 and 100 million euros, the statement noted. 

AMMAN — The House of Representatives on Monday celebrated the official handover of tablet computers to the deputies, under the framework of the first component of the European Union (EU) funded project for the support of Jordanian democratic institutions and their development. 

The ceremony was inaugurated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Atef Tarawneh, who commended the efforts of the EU to “invigorate the deputies”, stressing that “time will not wait for anyone and the House of Representatives will continue to work towards the digital implementation.”

Tarawneh highlighted the security ensured by the tablets, noting that the House of Representatives will make sure that their application “stays away from misuse”.

Andrea Matteo, Head of the Delegation of the EU in Jordan, stated that “the European Union believes in the democratic system and this project is a reflection of those values, working towards the facilitation of the work of Jordanian democratic institutions and the communication of the public with their representatives.”

He congratulated Tarawneh on being “such a strong partner”, noting that the delegation aims to “open a new page of cooperation with Jordan in order to improve the transparency and accessibility of institutions”.

The ceremony served  as an occasion for the representatives to officially present the environmental policy, the overarching framework under which the tablets were provided to cut the paper-usage under the Dome. 

In this regard, secretary general of the House of Representatives, Firas Adwan, noted how the ceremony represented the institution’s aim to take environmental-friendly steps, with MPs choosing to use electronic devices to protect the environment. 

“We had previous initiatives in this matter such as the use of LED lights or chargeable cars,” said Adwan, adding that “the House of Representatives is looking forward to move from the consultation to the execution of the policy and to see the real results on the ground.”

Project Director Said Sanadiki wrapped up the ceremony by presenting the rationale for the provision of the devices. 

“The tablet computers will help the House of Representatives to continue with the national plan for the implementation of the electronic government, providing the deputies with digital assistance in the decision making,” the official said. 

Furthermore, Sanadiki highlighted that the tablets will “improve the communication of the representatives with the citizens, building a channel through which the public can provide feedback to the institutions”.

AMMAN — Officials on Monday said that 15 inmates from Swaqa Correctional and Rehabilitation Centre (SCRC) were referred to the State Security Court (SSC) on terror related charges, adding that investigations are ongoing regarding the involvement of 13 police officers in alleged riots at the facility over the weekend.

Video clips purportedly showing riots and inmates harming themselves with sharp objects at SCRC circulated on social media on Friday, causing outrage among Jordanians.

A group of government and civil society human rights activists on Sunday visited the prison to get a firsthand account of the situation, including the procedures implemented, the extent of damages to the dormitories, and the weapons reportedly seized from the inmates. 

They also met with members of the investigation committee who informed them of the latest developments.

“The investigation committee decided to refer the 15 inmates to the SSC on charges of plotting subversive acts, conducting acts of riots and destroying public property although no heavy weapons or explosives were found with the inmates,” Government Coordinator for Human Rights Basel Tarawneh said.

Following the delegation’s visit, photos were released to the media showing two dormitories entirely gutted by fire as well as dozens of sharp objects, iron bars, ropes and other light objects, that were reportedly found with some inmates.

“The investigation committee is currently questioning 13 police officers in connection with the acts of riots and weapons seized from the inmates,” Tarawneh told The Jordan Times.

The government coordinator said that the number of police officers questioned could increase or decrease, “depending on the findings of the investigation committee”.

“Some of these officers are suspected of smuggling illegal and deadly items to the inmates, including a mobile phone,” Tarawneh added.

The SCRC also decided to send 151 inmates, whom the administration deemed as “troublemakers” to various correctional and rehabilitation centres across the Kingdom.

The alleged riots reportedly started on Friday, two days after a decision by the prison administration to move a few inmates to different dormitories and to conduct inspection campaigns. This move resulted in the alleged seizure of illegal substances and sharp objects.

The prisoners had previously complained during meetings with representatives from human rights organisations of “overcrowding, bad food quality and refusals to their demands to move to different dormitories”.

According to a statement by the Public Security Department (PSD), the SCRC is currently reviewing its “security procedures at the various correctional facilities in the Kingdom”.

“The PSD is keen on being transparent and informing the public about the procedures being conducted in the utmost transparent manner,” the PSD statement added.

AMMAN — Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Imad Fakhoury has participated in several high-level meetings as part of Jordan’s participation in the UN General Assembly, a ministry statement said on Monday.

Among the activities was the EU hosted ministerial meeting, co-chaired by High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Staillianides, UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and several ministers from Syrian refugees host countries.

Fakhoury noted that the meeting came upon request by Jordan to “sustain the momentum of action” including the international community’s commitments made during the London Conference on Syria in 2016 and the Brussels Conference last April, according to the statement.

He said the meeting aimed to review the means of sustaining the response to humanitarian needs in Syria, address the needs of Syrian refugees and host communities, enhance the resilience of host countries, and maintain stability across Syria through de-escalation zones.  

He urged the EU, UN and Brussels Conference’s organising countries to abide by their commitments and to transform them into concrete support, noting that the Jordan Response Plan’s (JRP) financing has not exceeded 39 per cent so far, the statement said.

He cited the upcoming Brussels Conference 2, scheduled for the spring of 2018 to ensure the continuity of support for countries hosting Syrian refugees.

The minister expressed Jordan’s appreciation for the international community’s support and stressed that Jordan hosts 13 per cent of the world’s UNCHR registered refugees, in addition to hundreds of thousands of unregistered Syrian refugees, the statement read. 

He highlighted the need to help Jordan preserve its resilience in light of the drop in the economic growth rate, the increase of the public debt, and the spike in unemployment, which altogether affects all aspects of life including public services.

Deputising for Prime Minister Hani Mulki, the Planning Minister also took part in a high-level panel on water co-chaired by UN Secretary General António Guterres and the World Bank President Jim Yong Kim.

The panel aimed to provide advisory instructions on the management and improvement of water resources, in addition to improving the relevant services, the statement said.

During the panel, Fakhoury outlined the continued pressure on Jordan to sustain the water resources due to the massive influx of Syrian refugees into the Kingdom.

The minister also attended the meeting of the International Commission on Forced Displacement, where he cited Jordan as a “model” at the global and regional levels in dealing with the Syrian refugee crisis.

The planning minister also participated, as a main speaker, in two round-table sessions held by the World Economic Forum. The first session focused on accelerating development financing while the second discussed the issue of running the digital development agenda. 

The Minister of Planning later participated in a high-level symposium organised by the World Development Centre, with the participation of ministers and senior officials from Denmark, France, Moldova and the UN Development Programme, according to the statement.

The meeting focused on global refugees crises by bridging the gap between the various humanitarian responses to the refugee crisis and development support.

Fakhoury also joined a high-level meeting on transparent government partnership, co-chaired by the presidents of Georgia and France, the statement concluded.

AMMAN — A moderate autumn weather will continue to prevail in most parts of the country over the next three days, with clouds expected to remain at low altitudes in the northern cities, the Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD) said on Monday.

According to the JMD, a slight decrease in temperatures is expected today, with temperatures in the capital forecast to reach 27oC during the day, and dropping to 15oC at night.

In the northern areas, they will range between a high of 23oC during the day and a low of 12oC at night. 

Mercury levels in the Gulf of Aqaba will hit 34oC, dropping to 23oC at night.

Similar weather conditions will remain over the next two days, with clouds at various altitudes and north-westerly moderate to brisk winds stirring dust in the desert areas, the JMD added, noting that temperatures are expected to drop slightly. 

On Wednesday, another minor decrease in temperatures will occur, with a moderate autumn-like weather remaining in most parts of the country. Clouds at low altitudes are expected in the northern parts of the Kingdom.

The temperatures in the capital will reach 26oC during the day, dropping to 15oC at night; 22oC in the northern areas, dropping to 12oC at night. 

Mercury levels will reach 33oC  in the Jordan Valley and 23oC at night, while they will range between a high of 33oC and a low of 23oC   in the Gulf of Aqaba.

On Thursday, temperatures in Amman will range between 26oC and 15oC, northern areas between 22oC and 12oC, the Jordan Valley between 33oC and 23oC, and the port city between 33oC and 23oC .

Stressing the need for people to take unstable temperatures into consideration and to dress accordingly, Omar Hozayyin, an ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor, said “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure”. He also advised people to stay away from human gatherings in closed areas to avoid the spread of seasonal diseases.

The JMD said it is following up on weather developments round the clock, and will continue issuing detailed weather forecasts as usual and sending them to media outlets and relevant institutions.

AMMAN — Programmes of the Jordan Institute of Politics, implemented by the Identity Centre in cooperation with the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, were launched on Monday in the presence of Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Musa Maaytah.

Maaytah said that the meeting gathered young people who chose to engage in public affairs through civil community organisations and political parties, noting that such forms of civil and collective work are the “right expression” for the youth aspirations, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Enhancing youth participation constitutes the main pillar the ministry focuses on through its various programmes, the minister stated, noting that a comprehensive development process has to concentrate on the youth participation in the public life. 

He cited HRH Crown Prince Hussein’s address at the UN General Assembly earlier last week, during which the prince focused on the youth and their aspirations amidst an unstable region that suffers from economic, social and security crises.

Mohammad Husseini, the director of the Identity Centre, said that there can be no democracy without strong parties and noted that they are confronted with numerous internal and external challenges including the weak participation of the youth.

The Netherlands’ Ambassador to Jordan Barbara Joziasse said that the “distinguished relations” between the two kingdoms reflected on the levels of cooperation, coordination and partnership between the two countries at all levels, and commended Jordan’s “model” of stability and democracy in the region.

The ambassador said that her country works on enhancing Jordan’s model through presenting all kinds of support without imposing any political agenda.

AMMAN — Deputising for His Majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff  Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Freihat on Monday visited  the family of the late retired Brig. Gen. Hussain Aqla Al Amoush. He conveyed the King’s condolences to the Bani Hassan tribe and  the Amoush family.

Amoush served the armed forces with honour and sincerity in keeping the country safe and stable, Freihat said. The army chief along with senior officers expressed their condolences to the Amoush family, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

AMMAN — Director of the Princess Muna Centre for Cardiology at King Abdullah University Hospital Imad Hijazi on Monday said there has been a significant increase in cardiac catheterisation procedures and heart surgery since the beginning of the year, with an average of 16 catheter operations performed daily, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Hijazi added that the hospital receives cases requiring urgent catheterisation around the clock in the five departments of the centre, in addition to performing paediatric catheterisation, installing heart pacemakers, receiving acute stroke patients and patients requiring artificial breathing devices.

The increase in catheterisation and cardiothoracic surgeries is attributed to the steady increase in population, high levels of cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking, he added.

AMMAN — Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh on Monday received a letter from the Inter-Parliamentary Union president, Deputy Saber Chowdhury, in reply to Tarawneh’s letter regarding the plight of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

Chowdhury expressed his “deep concern” over the continued violence, threat and forcible displacement of the Rohingya minority, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. He noted that the union will closely monitor the situation in Rakhine and will exert its best efforts to help Myanmar authorities reach a peaceful solution.